I've learned a lot about Filipino pride and culture in the 16 years that I've been married to my Filipino wife, but it was still difficult for me to grasp the concept of why most Filipinos believe that Manny shouldn't submit to more frequent blood testing.

I did understand Manny's hesitance in relation to his belief that blood withdrawals close to the fight weaken him, but when the false accusations escalated the issue to the point that it ultimately reached, I felt that the importance of Manny clearing his name would finally take precedence. I was missing the point.

There is a huge cultural gap that makes this issue difficult for Americans to understand. It is equally difficult for Filipinos to understand the way Americans view the issue. It makes me cringe to think that Manny's boxing accomplishments may always be questioned by some American boxing fans because they look at his refusal to submit to random testing as evidence of guilt. Many Filipinos cringe at the thought of seeing their national hero stoop to giving in to Mayweather's irrational demands.

To the typical American, pride would force an accused individual to comply to prove his innocence. To the typical Filipino, pride would force an individual to non-compliance. The culture of the Philippines is one in which insulting and individual’s honor can swiftly get you killed. That’s just how it is.

While an American who knows he’s telling the truth feels compelled to prove it, a Filipino who knows he’s telling the truth is resolved and satisfied to leave it at that, and is likely to vehemently refuse to prove anything to anyone.

Here is a perfect illustration of the case in point. It is quoted directly from an email I received.

“I would like to share with you an anecdote about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal because this is illustrative of Filipino pride.

When Dr. Jose Rizal was a kid of about 8 or 10, it is said that his mother sent him to bring some dish to his aunt who lives close by (an aunt or uncle, i'm not sure of the details now). When he got to her house his aunt suspected him of eating some of the dish while on the way. She asked him to open his mouth to see if he has eaten some of the dish. Rizal was indignant. He never took a bite. But instead of opening his mouth to clear himself, he refused to give that satisfaction to his aunt.

This kind of reaction is not surprising. In fact, most Filipinos would react this way if you accuse them wrongly.” -Ebedadonai Unfortunately there will always be some Americans who will discredit Manny’s accomplishments due to fact that he wouldn’t jump through all of Mayweather’s hoops.

That said; don't let me give the impression that Manny doesn't have loyal American supporters. The vast majority of Americans feel that Manny isn't guilty of any wrong-doing. I've come to the realization that many Filipinos don’t accept this fact. Don’t just listen to the very loud minority of Americans who have expressed doubt toward Manny’s innocence.

It would be unfair to say all Filipinos are corrupt and dishonest like some of the high-profile politicians in the country's past. Filipinos, please don't be unfair to us and think that all Americans are loud-mouthed, egotistical liars like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The truth is that most Americans can't stand Floyd Mayweather Jr., who said in an interview on "Joe Buck Live" that he's and American and he wants Americans to stand beside him "...like and American soldier". His early attempt to make the now defunct fight an "America vs. The Philippines" spectacle is one of the most detestable things he's done recently, and that's saying a lot. Keep dreaming Floyd, few people bought it.

Many high profile, journalists, writers, commentators, and athletes have openly expressed their support to Manny.

Larry Merchant has spoken for the majority of American boxing fans. USA Today quoted Merchant saying:

“I see no indications that Pacquiao is anything but an exceptional, elite fighter. There are many precedents in boxing of smaller fighters to move up in weight division and be successful later in their careers. Oscar De La Hoya himself started out as a 130-pound titleholder and wound up fighting middleweights which is 30 pounds north of that.” He also added "I thought it was just some gamesmanship by Mayweather who has a certain talent for mind games with opponents, creating conflict to help promote events. It appears that it has spiraled out of control."

I’m an American. A proud American. But Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not represent me, nor does he represent this country. To compare himself to the proud men and women who risk their lives for their country is an absolute travesty.

Floyd is no American soldier. He’s a buffoon. He’s proven it. He’s the one who should be ashamed, not Manny. Floyd and De La Hoya are to blame for not giving the boxing world the fight it wanted to see. (More on the antics of De La Hoya in a future article)

Floyd will reap what he has sown. He deserves what he has coming. Manny’s lawsuit has been filed. Floyd has now degraded his already questionable reputation beyond repair, and frankly, who cares?